Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 136. Estimate CHF40000.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF40000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Flaminius Chilo and Julius Caesar. 43 BC. Denarius (Silver, 3.57 g 1), Rome. Laureate head of Julius Caesar to right Rev. L.FLAMINIVS IIII.VIR Goddess, Venus or Pax, standing to left, holding caduceus in her right hand and long scepter in her left. Babelon (Flaminia) 2, (Julia) 44. Crawford 485/1. CRI 113. RSC 1423. Sydenham 1089. A wonderful, lustrous piece with a spectacular head of Caesar. Some minor striking flatness but, otherwise, virtually as struck.

This is a particularly dramatic head of Caesar, struck probably in August 43 after Octavian regained the city. The very prominent and detailed laurel wreath he wears (mixed with leaves and laurel berries) hints at the Senate’s forthcoming proclamation of Caesar as a god, which took place on 1 January 42.